In Season: Pumpkin

Pumpkin, versatile and delicious, is one of the quintessential fall vegetables. A member of the genus Curcubita, pumpkin comes from the same family as gourds and squash. Characterized by a bold orange or yellow color, round shape, and thick skin, pumpkins make the perfect fall decoration, or their seeds can be used for snacking, and flesh as an ingredient in countless dishes. In the United States alone, 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced each year, in crops that are planted in late July just in time for the fall harvest. I think it's safe to say Americans are pounding some serious pumpkin!

Pumpkin recipes and tips, after the jump.

I am not ashamed to admit that I'm a sucker for pumpkin purée. There is something irresistibly convenient about acquiring one of my favorite fall ingredients with the twist of a can opener, rather than the laborious process of making my own. Perhaps memories of pumpkin carving on my front porch steps equipped with a less than adequate "carving knife" come rushing back in a wave of frustration.

However, this fall I have vowed to do to it the "old fashioned way" and make my own purée. With Halloween and other autumnal celebrations rapidly approaching, I hope that you, too, will take full advantage of this fall vegetable. Below are some recipes to get you started.